Poland solidifies its position as a key player in the global MICE industry, hosting 122 international association meetings in 2023.
Poland secured the 21st spot globally for hosting 122 international association meetings in 2023, according to the latest “International Meetings Statistics Report” published by the Union of International Associations (UIA). Warsaw and Krakow, Poland’s leading destinations, each hosted 32 international events, underscoring the country’s growing prominence in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry, particularly within Central and Eastern Europe.
General Overview of the UIA Report and Criteria
The “International Meetings Statistics Report” by the UIA, now in its 65th edition (June 2024), offers a comprehensive analysis of international meetings organized by various global associations. Data in this report is drawn from the UIA’s extensive database, which also supports the International Congress Calendar and the Yearbook of International Organizations. Since its founding in 1907, the UIA has collected and published data on international meetings and organizations, with a statistical review launched in 1960.
Key Criteria for Inclusion in the UIA Report:
- The meeting must be linked to an international association (either a non-governmental organization, NGO, or intergovernmental organization, IGO).
- The location and frequency of the meetings are not restricted, allowing for a wide range of event formats, including one-off and recurring events.
- While previous editions required meetings to have at least 50 participants, recent editions include meetings with fewer participants.
- The report focuses on Type A meetings, excluding smaller Type B and Type C meetings.
- The 2023 edition accounts for 517,728 meetings held in 271 countries and 12,398 cities, providing the most comprehensive and up-to-date data available.
Key Outcomes of the 2024 UIA Report
The 2024 UIA report highlights a steady recovery in the international meetings industry following the pandemic. The number of in-person, hybrid, and virtual events has continued to rise, with 2023 seeing significant growth in event numbers compared to the pandemic-affected years.
Key Statistics:
- Total meetings in 2023: 8,486
- Countries hosting meetings: 165
- Cities hosting meetings: 1,251
- Format of events: In-person, hybrid, and virtual meetings are distinctly tracked.
Geographical Distribution:
- Europe remains the dominant region, hosting 57% of all international meetings.
- Asia follows with 23%, and the Americas account for 13% of total events.
Top Countries and Cities for International Meetings in 2023
Top Countries:
- Belgium: 708 meetings (12.5%)
- USA: 633 meetings (11.2%)
- Japan: 488 meetings (8.6%)
- Korea (Rep.): 423 meetings (7.5%)
- Spain: 395 meetings (7.0%)
Top Cities:
- Brussels, Belgium: 620 meetings (11.1%)
- Vienna, Austria: 298 meetings (5.4%)
- Tokyo, Japan: 226 meetings (4.1%)
- Seoul, Korea Rep.: 200 meetings (3.6%)
- Lisbon, Portugal: 147 meetings (2.6%)
Poland’s Position in the Global MICE Sector
In 2023, Poland hosted 122 international association meetings, ranking it 21st globally, which represents 2.2% of the total international meetings held worldwide. While Poland may not match the scale of top-tier destinations like Belgium (708 meetings) or the USA (633 meetings), it remains a key player in the MICE industry, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe.
Poland’s performance demonstrates consistent growth potential, solidifying its reputation as a cost-effective destination for international events. Its inclusion in the top 25 countries hosting international meetings underscores its competitive positioning within the European MICE market.
Key Polish Cities: Warsaw and Krakow
The two leading Polish cities, Warsaw and Krakow, each hosted 32 international meetings in 2023, ranking them 42nd globally. These cities serve as regional hubs for MICE activities, attracting international associations and offering world-class facilities for conferences, exhibitions, and business events.
- Warsaw:
- As the capital, Warsaw is Poland’s premier destination for international meetings. Its strategic location in Central Europe, combined with modern infrastructure and well-connected transport links, makes it a highly attractive venue for business and government-related events.
- Modern conference centers, like the Warsaw International Expo Centre, alongside luxury hotels and accessibility to international airports, reinforce its position as a prime destination for MICE activities.
- Krakow:
- Known for its rich cultural heritage and academic prestige, Krakow is becoming a significant destination for academic, cultural, and educational conferences. The city’s historical backdrop and modern infrastructure, such as the ICE Krakow Congress Centre, make it a preferred choice for organizations seeking more than just business venues.
- Krakow’s cultural appeal and strong academic reputation make it an attractive destination for global associations looking for a venue that offers both professional and cultural experiences.
Poland’s consistent performance in the 2024 UIA report underscores its growing influence in the global MICE industry. With Warsaw and Krakow leading the way, Poland is well-positioned to attract more international associations and events in the coming years. As Poland continues to invest in its infrastructure and promote itself as a cost-effective yet high-quality destination, it is likely to further climb the ranks in the competitive European MICE market.
About the UIA
Founded in 1907 in Brussels, the Union of International Associations (UIA) is the oldest and most comprehensive source of information on global civil society. The organisation serves as a key repository of data on international associations and their meetings, providing valuable resources and information to association partners and members worldwide. Further details can be found on the UIA website.
2024 UIA Associations Round Tables
On 14-15 November 2024, the UIA will host the 18th UIA Associations Round Tables in Florence. This event offers a unique opportunity for international associations to establish valuable connections and gain practical knowledge. The event is designed to create an environment where professionals from various international associations can meet, exchange insights, and collaborate. Participants will engage in numerous sessions focused on learning through experience and sharing best practices. The event will serve as a platform for discussing shared challenges and seeking innovative solutions to improve organisational operations.
More information about the event and registration can be found on the UIA Round Tables website.
Union of International Associations – Union des Associations Internationales
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Phone: +32 (0)2 640 18 08
https://uia.org • uia@uia.org
Source: UIA; @callmejaro
